Chapter 5
Althea's pov
It's that time of year again—quidditch season! Not only is it quidditch, but it's the World Cup!! I can still vividly recall the last one Dad and I attended, and it was such an unforgettable experience! There's nothing quite like the thrill of the games and the vibrant atmosphere!
I woke to the sight of the sun coming freshly over the horizon and to the sound of birds singing. Waking up at the break of dawn seemed to be doing me some good, so I decided it'd be a nice trend for me. Until I went back to school; while there, I needed all the sleep I could catch.
I made my way to the kitchen to begin making breakfast in order to surprise everyone. Last week, I talked to Molly about planning and talking about visiting her house for the World Cup, so last night, she left the door unlocked for me to get in.
I hadn't seen these people in a while. After I recovered from losing my parents, I decided to spend part of my summers away in the States. I would go for two weeks at a time, then make my way home. In the States, I met several new people and made mates for life.
On a personal note, so much has shifted in my life; I have felt myself maturing in ways I never expected. To be more specific, I've taken up going to the gym when I spend time with friends in the States, and it's become a place where I can find some sort of clarity. I've also been working on handling my emotions better, which has been a challenge, but it feels like a step in the right direction. I genuinely hope that things aren't too different when I look around; deep down, I know they probably are—which is entirely inevitable. Still, if things have changed, I'm holding onto the hope that they've changed for the better.
As I was cooking, I heard footsteps. I turned around, and of course, my eyes were blessed to see that it was Molly. I quickly ran over and hugged her tightly; I missed her so much. There was silence at first, but when she let me go, she acknowledged my physical alters. "MY DEAR GOD! You've grown so much, my girl! How have you been? How were the states this year? Did you meet anyone? Oh, where do I start?! You're finally a young woman!" she rambled on, letting her excitement take the front seat.
"Yeah, um—I suppose it's definitely a different look. I'm not sure how I feel yet. I definitely can't wear all those skirts and tank tops anymore," I chuckled, hugging my figure.
"Silly girl, you look BEAUTIFUL!" she exclaimed as she walked over to the oven. Soon enough, more people started to wake up. First, it was Hermione, then Ginny, as always. I missed these two so much!
"Oh my god! How are you guys?!" I couldn't help but squeal a little as they laid eyes on me.
Squealing, they ran over to me, and we all huddled in. I missed hugging them every day and gossiping about everything. Pulling away from the huddle, they bombarded me with questions.
"Where have you been?" Ginny inquired, crossing her arms.
"What's up with you? OMG, you look so good!" Hermione exclaimed, smirking as she eyed me.
"How are you?" Ginny continued.
"One at a time, ladies! Ginny, go ahead, " I joked, being submerged in their questions.
"I've missed you! Where have you been?" she pleaded.
"I've been on trains, riding around. I flew to the States like I did last summer, though! Don't worry; I'm fine. Plus, everything was delightful, " I replied.
"Okay! My turn! What's up with you? You leave, then come back as beautiful as ever! Tell me your secrets!" Hermione cheered.
"Honestly, ask Mother Nature; she did this to me. But I've been debating whether or not I like this new look, and now that you mention it, I'm feeling much better about it, " I joked sarcastically.
Spinning me around, they came in for another embrace. "Looks like I'll be talking with Mother Nature tonight!" Hermione joked, smiling as hard as ever. She had always had a beautiful smile, but it was too bad she scowled often.
We all laugh, and they start to set the table. All of a sudden, there is a stampede of footsteps; there is no doubt who that could be. "Who's cooking?" a voice calls out.
"Come find out!" I reply. Out of nowhere, footsteps rumble all the way down. Ron, Arthur, Harry, and George look shocked to see me.
"BLOODY HELL, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Ron boomed in a surprised manner. Ron, Harry, and George rushed over to hug me, almost suffocating me. I wasn't sure exactly how much I missed those group hugs. They were a little tight.
"Guys... I—I—still need to breathe." I could barely squeeze my hand through their long arms, tapping their backs.
"Oh, right! sorry." Ron mumbled, chuckling lightly as he stepped away.
Watching as they scan me, I fold my arms, becoming more self-conscious the longer they stare.
"You've changed, " Ron said. He hadn't even looked me in the eyes when he had spoken.
Looking at his younger brother's expression, he snorted to himself before stepping in. "Yeah, doofus, she's got boobs," George whispered, snorting as he tried to cover his laugh.
Ginny punched him, and Ron continued. "No- well, yes, but it's something else...what is it?"
"You look happier, " Harry cuts in. He sends me a half smile, making sure I'm okay. Harry has always cared for me, no matter what. I suppose losing our parents gravitated us together—a trauma bond of some sort.
"I feel happier!" I admitted. I had only been smiling since stepping through their threshold, so I only continued to beam; my cheeks were definitely hurting.
They all smiled, and then I looked around. Something was missing, someone was missing. "Where's Fred? " I asked. They all looked around and noticed he wasn't there as well; everyone shrugged. Finally, I turned back around, and he was standing there at the bottom of the stairs. We stared at each other for a while; though it was a few seconds, it felt like hours, maybe years even. I missed seeing him. I just hoped things were the same, that he'd pick me up and spin me around like he did whenever I'd show my face.
"Come on, guys. Let's give them a minute, " Molly said, waving everyone into the next room.
After everyone left, we still just stood there; I knew he was really there, but it all felt like a dream. After a minute of being shocked, I ran and jumped into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. I wished he would hold me forever. I missed my best friend. After a good minute, he put me down. We spoke at the same time.
"I've missed you so much! How have you been?! You first! No, you first!" We both stopped to laugh and then I proceeded.
"You can go first."
"I missed you for most of the summer. I was hoping you'd show up sooner, but I'm glad you're here now. I'm doing well, you?" I couldn't help but catch butterflies at the fact that he hadn't let my hand go since he put me down.
"I'm doing much better now that you're here. I missed you more, and besides, I couldn't miss the WORLD CUP!"
He smiled at me, and we embraced each other again. After we pulled away from the hug, we made our way into the dining area and joined the others. When we sit down, everyone starts to catch up with each other—except for some reason, I just couldn't stop staring at Fred.